How do you catch syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be transmitted by any form of sexual contact with an infected person. The definition of “sexual contact” is having the genital secretion of one person come into contact with the genitals, mouth, anus, or eyes of another person. Syphilis has few symptoms early in the course of infection and it is possible for someone to have it without knowing. Syphilis can be prevented in most situations through the use of condoms.
What test can detect syphilis?
There are multiple types of syphilis tests. They can be grouped into two categories, the tests in each category are used the same way.
Treponemal: These tests directly detect the bacteria that cause syphilis (the treponema). These tests used to be more expensive and complex but costs have fallen in the past several years.
Nontreponemal: These tests look at antibodies that the body creates in response to the syphilis bacteria. These tests are less accurate than the treponemal tests but used to be much cheaper. They are also used to monitor treatment in patients with severe infections. These tests are not “positive” or “negative” but are reported in terms of titers. The higher the titer, the more antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis are in your system.
Can a normal blood test detect syphilis?
Yes, both the treponemal and nontreponemal tests are blood tests. These are drawn the same way as any other blood test and do not require a special lab or procedure.
When does syphilis show up in a blood test?
Syphilis can show up in a blood test as soon as its earliest symptom present. Syphilis’ first symptom is a painless ulcer that appears on the genitals or near the mouth, wherever the patient was first exposed. In some cases, this ulcer may be mistaken for something else or go unnoticed entirely. The tests will still be positive even after the ulcer disappears.
Can syphilis be detected in urine?
No, a urine test is not enough to detect syphilis. A blood test is required for the detection of syphilis.
Can syphilis go away on its own?
No, treatment with antibiotics is always required to treat syphilis. The way syphilis presents makes many people think it has gone away on its own. Syphilis has three stages:
- Primary: Syphilis begins with no symptoms other than a small painless ulcer located near the area where the patient was first exposed.
- Secondary: Weeks to months after the first symptoms syphilis will spread to the bloodstream. This leads to a large number of mild symptoms, the most obvious is a red scaly rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Tertiary: The most serious form of syphilis. Tertiary syphilis can begin several months to many years after first exposure. The bacteria that cause syphilis can attack the heart, nerves, and other structures throughout the body. This causes severe symptoms such as confusion, weakness, headache, and loss of sensation in areas of the body. This often leads to death if untreated.
